DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – U.S. military personnel currently deployed throughout the Gulf region are supporting the 2013 Dubai Airshow, one of the largest aviation industry airshows in the world, from Nov. 17-21.
The United States participates in the Dubai Airshow to demonstrate a commitment to regional security, to demonstrate the flexibility of airpower, and to strengthen military-to-military relationships with regional partners.
"This event contributes to goodwill and strong relationships between partners in the region," said Lt. Gen. John Hesterman III, the U.S. Air Forces Central Command commander.
Fifteen U.S. military aircraft and nearly 100 service members came out to support the event providing logistics, protection and maintenance support to the various U.S. aircraft on display and performing flights.
“Our team of U.S. service professionals are working hard in support of this year’s DAS,” said Col. Robert Nelson, the AFCENT deployed forces commander here. “Although there are fewer military personnel supporting the show, due to fiscal constraints, they are doing a great job showcasing Department of Defense assets and representing our commitment to building partnerships with our hosts.”
Airmen are providing static displays of C-130J Hercules and F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft, as well as fly-bys of a B-1B Lancer and F-22 Raptor.
Other Department of Defense assets supporting the show include the E-2 Advanced Hawkeye, MV-22 Osprey, P-8A Poseidon, AH-1Z Cobra, UH-1Y Huey and an F-18 Super Hornet.
The biennial event, with an estimated attendance of more than 60,000 and representation from more than 50 countries, showcases equipment employed throughout the region and utilized during various theater security cooperation events designed to increase partner nation interoperability.
“We have a partnership with the United Arab Emirates based off trust, mutual respect and understanding,” said Katrina McFarland, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Acquisition.